Nathaniel Tomb
Lyndon B. Johnson: August 27, 1908 – January 22, 1973Political Party: DemocraticTerm Dates: November 22, 1963 – January 20, 1969Vice President: Hubert H. Humphrey
Grade:B
Theme: American Identity
America in the 60’s was going through a huge economic growth as well as segregation. But those were not there biggest woes. No, America and her president’s biggest worry was the development of the war in Vietnam. This controversial war took separated America it was the first couch war (The first war that was televised for America’s viewing audience). As they watched from there beds the bombings from “Operation Rolling Thunder” –Americas assault on Vietnam- and saw the body bags roll in (sometimes hundreds a week) from over seas America could not help but question there involvement in the war.
Goals:
After the assassination of JFK his running mate Lyndon Johnson took the presidency. In his inaugural speech he speaks about change and liberty along with justice. He says how America is now a world power strong and proud. He speaks of equality and how no family or man should be poor or go hungry and how education needs to be strengthened. Lyndon talks about how he would like to handle foreign affairs he said “The American covenant called on us to help show the way for the liberation of man…Terrific dangers and troubles that we once called "foreign" now constantly live among us. If American lives must end, and American treasure be spilled, in countries that we barely know, then that is the price that change has demanded of conviction and of our enduring covenant.” However Lyndon did not want the war even telling JFK to minimize escalation. But when he came into office the war became his own and he in his national pride he did what he felt was necessary for the nation.
Positive:
Lyndon had good relation with congress and through this accomplished most of his goals even while swimming through protesting Americans. He was able to make the Civil Rights act witch ended legal segregation of blacks and whites. Lyndon and congress passed the Social Security Act which provided Medicare for the elderly and Medicaid for the poor (“In a land of great wealth, families must not live in hopeless poverty…In a land of healing miracles, neighbors must not suffer and die untended.”).And early in 1964 congress passed a resolution that would allow Johnson to make any steps forward into the war that he saw were necessary. And after a supposed attack in the Tonkin Gulf congress passed the Golf of Tonkin resolution in 40 minutes. It allowed for an aerial attack on the gulf. Lyndon got into the war for peace and the end of communist aggression in the South Asia area and the safety and defense of America itself.
Negative:
Lyndon brought America into the Vietnam War wear thousands of American men and women died in battle. The war and his actions brought America into mass chaos with protests all around America. There was burning of draft cards, the stoppage of trains with troops being sent out. The anti-war protests went as far as France, Rome and London. Lyndon who only wanted peace would later refuse to try for re-election. In hopes to put forth all the effort he could to bring peace without the duty of presidency.
Impact/Reason for Grade:
Even with the war and protests Lyndon Johnson got what he wanted done at home finished by making the Civil Rights Act and the Social Security Act. But that does not excuse the war that he led America into. Having been so controversial and with such a toll on America it was not the best decision as you can see at the end of the war when we lost. And so I give President Lyndon B. Johnson an A for his work at home but a D for his work over seas. Knowing it does not work like that the final grade comes to a B.
"The TonkinGulfIncident, 1964 . LBJ . WGBH American Experience | PBS." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Corporation for Public broadcasting, n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/primary-resources/lbj-tonkin/>.
mid-October, even global phenomenon, as anti-war protests drawing 100, 000 were held simultaneously in as many as 80 major cities around the US, London, Paris, and Rome.. "Opposition to the U.S.involvement in the Vietnam War - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opposition_to_the Read more at the American Presidency Project: www.presidency.ucsb.eduhttp://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=26985#ixzz1gfOJ4Pbx Brittany Crowley Lyndon B. Johnson (August 27, 1908 – January 22, 1973)
Political Party: Democratic Dates of term in office: November 22, 1963 – January 20, 1969 Vice President: Hubert Humphrey
President Johnson accomplished many positive contributions to our country throughout his term in office. His actions regarding the Civil Rights Movement will forever be a remnant in our nation’s history for minimizing racial discrimination. Although his decisions about the Vietnam War were considered to be controversial, he taught us to never give up and to always fight for what’s right, even if everyone does not agree with it. His positive contributions to globalization, also raises his grade in my mind. In 1965, U.S. Marines were dispatched to the Dominican Republic following a military coup. President Johnson explained that this intervention was necessary to protect both American and foreign lives. This showed the globalization impact that Johnson had during his presidency. These actions that were accomplished during Johnson’s term as President earn him a grade of a solid B.
The goals of President Johnson were stated in his inaugural address on January 20, 1965. He stated that, “It is the excitement of becoming-always becoming, trying, probing, falling, resting, and trying again-but always trying and always gaining.” His meaning behind saying this is that he will always give his best effort in whatever happens to our country during his time as president. He knows sometimes he will fail, but his goal is to learn from that mistake and move on, not to ever give up. President Johnson also promoted The Great Society throughout his term as president. This rested on the principles of abundance and liberty for all. It demanded the end to poverty and racial injustice. His goals with The Great Society were attained because they encompassed the war on poverty, civil rights legislation, Medicare and Medicaid, environmental protection, and consumerism. Johnson’s administration set up Medicare, funded through the Social Security system, which provided hospital insurance and a low monthly premium for those 65 years or older. It also provided hospital and medical benefits for the poor of any age. The consumerism aspect of The Great Society included many acts that promoted industrial and trafficking safety such as the Highway Safety Act which established a national highway safety program. The civil rights legislation part of The Great Society was influenced by the Civil Rights Act, reducing the amount of racial discriminations within our country. These few examples, among others, show how many goals were accomplished throughout Johnson’s term as president and represent that most, if not all his goals were attained and accomplished.
In general, President Lyndon B. Johnson shared a pretty good relationship with his congress throughout his terms as president. Many Congressmen thought of him as a fair individual and they could tell he really cared about his Country. They saw in him, a man of action and a man of decision, a man that cared about everyone. He will mostly be remembered, “Not in the minds of the high and mighty, but rather by those whom society had forgotten or ignored,” stated his Vice President Hubert Humphrey. His fellow Congressmen could all see the passion he outpoured to America by his efforts given to the War in Vietnam, the Civil Rights Act, Medicare and Medicaid Plans, and the war against poverty, among others. His Vice President stood beside Johnson through his whole term. In fact, Vice President Humphrey traveled extensively on behalf of the president and always vigorously defended the administration’s Vietnam War Policy against the growing number of liberal critics. Because of how he traveled for Johnson on his behalf, this shows the trust that Johnson had in his fellow Congressmen and summarizes the overall relationship that he shared with them.
The most positive action that occurred during Lyndon B. Johnson’s term as president was his efforts with the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This act barred discrimination in employment as well as in hotels, restaurants, and other public places. Under the Civil Rights Act, came the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of Johnson’s most proud achievements, which outlawed any discrimination including literary tests and authorized the federal government to actually promote voter registration to the public. This resulted in a dramatic increase of minority voters. The Civil Rights Act also halted the discrimination in the sale and rental of housing, along with stiffening the federal criminal penalties for violations against civil rights. Accompanying these great strides came the movers such as Martin Luther King Jr. and the NAACP which were committed to nonviolence and drew more and more followers into their militant which had a positive effect. The views of civil rights have forever been changed because of the efforts that Johnson and his administration achieved throughout the terms of Johnson’s presidency.
The most negative effect however, that had occurred during Johnson’s term as president was the relations with the Vietnam War. Johnson and his administration escalated the U.S. role in Vietnam. In retaliation to the torpedo boats that reportedly attacked our U.S. destroyers, the United States, in February of 1965, launched Operation Rolling Thunder, air raids over Vietnam. Continually, for the next month, Johnson dispatched the first shipment of 3,500 Marines to Danang, making the beginning of eight years of U.S. ground combat in Southern Vietnam. The reason why it was such a negative action was because eventually, the U.S. involvement during the war would spark a number of anti-war protests and end in a Communist victory. While escalating the war, President Johnson and his administration continued to press for a negotiated settlement, but the Vietnamese refused to talk until America agreed to unconditionally stop bombing the North. President Johnson’s non-peacemaking actions regarding the war throughout his presidency sparked a rapid antiwar movement which continued to grow. In 1967, the war involvement caused demonstrators to march on the Pentagon and in New York 125,000 protestors were attracted to an antiwar rally. Young men openly burned their draft cards in defiance of the war. And while Democrats met in Chicago to choose a successor to Lyndon Johnson in 1968, 5,000 demonstrators clashed with police in the streets. The reaction that much of the United States had regarding the War in Vietnam contradicted the views of Johnson and his Congress which resulted in why the war efforts were the most negative outcome. Although, Johnson only had the best intentions of his nation on his mind while contributing to it.
President Johnson and his administration gave much to the future and generations to come. He passed an unprecedented amount of legislation, hoping to protect the nation’s air, land, water, wilderness, and overall quality of life. It was designed to keep America safer and the United States from becoming an uglier or dirtier nation. Johnson also extended the New Deal of Franklin Roosevelt which included aid to education, Medicare, and Medicaid-programs that are still significant today and demanded support for their effectiveness. Also, the reaction to his Great Society helped spawn a dramatic political “polarization” in the United States that some historians have labeled as a “conservative counterrevolution”. The generations to come and the future presidents will be able to learn from Johnson and his actions. Regarding the War in Vietnam, they learned to stick to their gut feeling of following through with it, much like President Johnson did. He will forever be a President that many will look up to, especially while such a major War was taking place in our world during his term. Yet Johnson still accomplished many other positive contributions for our country.
After Lyndon B. Johnson’s term as President, America was far better off. While his programs kept untold numbers of Americans out of poverty, they also gave others basic health care and ensured the fundamental rights of citizenship for minorities. Although in Southeast Asia millions of Vietnamese lost their lives and homes, hundreds and thousands more had their lives permanently changed Johnson showed us an important lesson. At a time when Americans were reshaping the location of power at home, events in Vietnam were raising serious questions about how America should use that power abroad. The renewal and opportunity attached to the Johnson administration are ironic, confusing, and uncertain and will likely stay that way. But Johnson fought hard for what he believed in and taught the country to never give up, to try, and try again. His contributions and brilliant leadership on the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Act of 1965, earn him a place in history alongside Abraham Lincoln.
Bibliography
DeGregorio, William A., and Sandra Lee. Stuart. Fort Lee, New Jersey: Barricade Books Inc., 2009.
"Impact and Legacy." Lyndon B. Johnson. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2011. < "Impact and Legacy." Lyndon B. Johnson. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2011. <http://millercenter.org/president/lbjohnson>
Vinny Tranchitella Lyndon B. Johnson
Born: August 27, 1908
Died: January 22, 1973
Political Party: Democratic
First Term: November 22, 1963-January 20, 1965
Vice President: None
Second Term: January 20,1965-January 20, 1969
Vice President: Hubert Humphrey
Grade: B-
Theme: American Identity
Theme:
During the era of President Lyndon B. Johnson, many things about the American Identity changed, and not all of them were necessarily sought through the means of ‘Satyagraha.’ In fact, some of the most violet racial outbreaks erupted in the United States at this time after the death of their own beloved President, John F. Kennedy. However, not all of the presidency of Johnson was a racial wreck. In fact, new culture and acceptance grew from the embers known as the Civil Rights Movement. For one, the rock group, the Beatles, became widely-liked by the American people with a new style of music. Also, civil rights Amendments were made to the Constitution as the pressure of black organizations and communities began to tie the country together instead of segregating the people under the legislature of the same country’s Constitution. Overall, the Presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson was a period of social metamorphosis and revival while the country moved on to conquer different plagues of the American psyche.
Analysis:
The President Lyndon B. Johnson deserves the grade of a B- for the works he did during his Presidency. For one, he was a strong civil rights advocate and took action into his own hands by continuing what President Kennedy had in mind before Johnson’s terms. Second, Johnson shed many hours suffering against poverty and tried to make the poor and homeless have a place in the cruel American society. Finally, Johnson had a hard time buffering the turbulence from JFK’s assassination, and the way he grasped the reigns of the country’s bucking bull allowed him to be recognized as a great leader who did lived up to his predecessor.
Many of Johnson’s goals were superbly outlined in his inaugural address before the initiation of his second term. Some of the minor concepts he mentioned were liberty, justice, foreign aid, unity, and the American spirit. However, the one goal that Johnson highly stressed was ‘change:’ changes in the traditional liberty, justice, and all the other goals that he mentioned. The majority of his efforts were put into the reform of civil rights and poverty. Johnson had a goal in mind, and that goal was to better the country. At some points he may have pushed his point too harshly, which may be why the American Identity transformed so quickly throughout this era, however his persistence bore great fruits as the Legislative Branch passed the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 1964, the 24th Amendment, and the Voting Rights Act, all of which were aimed at the ‘change’ in United States identity that Johnson so vigorously chased.
The relationship between Johnson and Congress was sneakily sentimental. Once President Kennedy died, it was up to Johnson to either turn around or continue forward in the direction JFK already headed. In the case of Civil Rights, Johnson continued forward. To help highlight his goals, President Johnson addressed Congress in a solemn tone that it would be to the benefit of the country and in memoriam of their lost leader that the equality of blacks and whites and all other peoples of America be achieved above all else. Congress heartily approved of the racial stimulus Lyndon Johnson pushed into the Constitution and so it gave way to Johnson’s proposed Civil Rights Act of 1964. President Johnson’s relationship with Congress grew to a personal level because of JFK’s assassination, but on a professional level because of the ease with which they passed laws pertaining to the betterment of American society and the identity of the country as a whole.
As one could easily tell, there were a lot of things that Johnson did to deserve his B- as President of the United States. The long-term effect of Johnson’s actions were usually positive or had a progressive lilt to them. Some of the most positive outcomes of Johnson’s career were the establishment of racial equality, the stimulation of education and poverty-fighting, and the unification of a country that was recently shaken up by the death of its leader. Among the acts created to help move the country forward were the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Revenue Act of 1964. Unfortunately, Johnson was forced into a bad situation when during his Presidency, the beginning of the Vietnam War came into play and it ended quite illustriously as the U.S. troops retreated and Vietnamese left-wing rule took over. It was near the end of his first term, and as we have seen, the country does not like to dispose of their leaders while they are in the middle of fighting wars, so Johnson won again, but despite all the distractions and the loss in the Vietnam war, Johnson was only docked a few points on his overall grade as president. As for the American Identity shift due to his positive and negative outcomes, there were very few except for the first loss of the Americans in any war in its history.
Johnson’s choices in the seat of Presidential office only minimally affected future presidents as he sought to change many of the traditional stereotypes of the American identity. All of the problems, if any, that Johnson came upon, he was able to conquer it or make the issue disappear, for example, the Vietnam War and the federal funding of education. Provided, many of his choices and requests were backed by a democratic Congress for a short time, he was still a good president and led the country exceptionally. He either covered or cleaned up the messes he made at home and abroad, and it was this action that made the transition so smooth for following Presidents and the incoming American identity.
Overall, Lyndon B. Johnson was not suspected to be president, but with the assassination of JFK, he was given a shot. He did very well at implementing his new procedures and created many helpful and progressive laws for the improvement of the American identity. Johnson deserves a B- for the works he did while in the executive office and with the execution of his goals, he was very successful as a politician and as a leader. It would have been difficult to live up to the expectations that America emblazoned on the successor of President Kennedy, but as an extraordinary man, President Johnson found a way to exceed those expectations while accomplishing his goals in changing the country for the better.
Bibliography:
Bailey, Thomas A., David M. Kennedy, and Lizabeth Cohen. The American Pageant: A History of the Republic. 12 ed. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2002. Print.
"Lyndon B. Johnson." Wikipedia. Wikimedia, n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2011. <en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyndon_B._Johnson> Korissa Herrold
Lyndon Baines Johnson: August 27, 1908 – January 22, 1973
Political Party: Democratic
Term Dates: November 22, 1963 – January 20, 1969
Vice President: Hubert H. Humphrey
Grading: B+
Theme: Globalization
Throughout Lyndon Johnson’s terms there were many international affairs highlighted, The Vietnam War being most significant. In February of 1965 American air bases were attacked. The President immediately issued a bombing take place to defend the nation. The defense mechanism was noted as “Operation Rolling Thunder.” The fighting became extremely Americanized, and the Southern Vietnamese sat back and watched America fight their battles. Another noted foreign affair was found in the Six-Day War in June of 1967. The War between the Jewish and Muslims. America was distracted by the over commitment within the Vietnamese War. They generally let the Middle Eastern countries work out the battle themselves. This conflict would have had American support if it weren’t for the focus elsewhere.
Intro:
After the assassination of John F. Kennedy the Vice President assumed the responsibilities as the President of the United States. Lyndon Baines Johnson was sworn in as President November 22, 1963 on Air Force One. Throughout the 1960’s the ideas of Civil Rights were unraveling along with the conflicts leading to War. Lyndon B. Johnson earned a B+ for his presidency in response to these situations.
Goals:
Like most Presidents, Johnson set aside goals in which he planned to achieve. He had a vision of equal opportunity and he was determined to make this possible for Americans. Johnson believed that civil rights during this time period were a major priority. John F. Kennedy first proposed the civil rights bill in June of 1963 but it never reached Congress during his presidency for the official passage. Johnson, who discouraged racial segregation, focused on getting this bill passed when he took executive office. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a great accomplishment of Lyndon B. Johnson. Along with the Civil Rights Act Johnson issued the Voting Rights Act, which outlawed voting discrimination. He believed in “the Great Society” where land air and natural resources were preserved. Throughout his terms many legislations involving conservation were appointed. Also, Johnson experienced many hardships throughout his childhood that motivated him to help the average American. Growing up in poverty, he was ambitious to help the poor and focus on the domestic issues that were unraveling right before him. To fight against the war on poverty Johnson created food stamps, Medicare and Medicaid to relieve the suffering individuals or families. Lyndon Johnson fulfilled a majority of his goals including civil rights, land protection and poverty recognition that were appreciated by many.
Congress:
The relationship President Johnson shared with Congress was quite successful. Together they established federal funding for education by passing educational based bills. They also worked together to pass Medicare for the elderly, accompanied by Medicaid for the poor in 1965. They provided entitlements to certain individuals who were unable to afford proper health treatments and also provided the elderly with health insurance. Another correlation between the President and Congress stood out when conflict in Vietnam erupted. U.S. naval vessels were attacked in the Gulf of Tonkin in August of 1964. Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution authorizing the President to take measure when he felt the country was being threatened. Johnson was in support of war against the Vietnamese enemy, but opposition in Congress grew. Members of Congress would announce their antiwar beliefs through televised hearings. Despite the disagreements surrounding the involvement in Vietnam, Johnson kept a steady relationship with Congress.
Positive:
Lyndon Johnson’s most positive action was establishing equal opportunity. With little support from the south, Johnson still managed to create equality for African Americans. He went against the minority beliefs of pro segregation and satisfied the majority by issuing an immediate change to the treatment of blacks. He did what was best overall for the Americans and addressed the unfair treatment head on. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ended segregation in public facilities. He also gave the blacks voting rights. The world was forever changed. The effects didn’t happen overnight, but the United States gradually began to accept everyone regardless of their race.
Negative:
Lyndon Johnson’s most negative outcome was his failure to keep the country out of war. Johnson saw the uproar in Vietnam, as a potential threat against the nation so he believed war was the most logical response. The entire ordeal caused riots and many began to promote peace against Johnson’s wishes. He based his decisions on the complicated matter by considering the military and political requirements along with the effects on America. Many believed his initial declaration of War to be unnecessary yet Johnson was seeking a solution that would be best for the entire country as a whole.
Impact:
Lyndon Johnson impacted future administrations by passing the Social Security Act of 1965. Under this act two vital programs were created: Medicare and Medicaid. It started off by providing health care to poverty struck families, and citizens over the age of 65. The governments assistance is still in affect today proving that it had a huge impact on future administrations. From these two programs more aid relief acts were developed. He showed future administrations that government aid was crucial and helpful.
Conclusion:
Johnson managed to stabilize the American society and passed an excessive amount of legislation that was vital for the growth of the United States. Although he developed a “Great Society” he still cost the Americans with his decision to engage in war in Vietnam. Over 58,000 Americans lost their lives in battle altering his overall grade from an A to a B+.
Bailey, Thomas A., David M. Kennedy, and Lizabeth Cohen. The American Pageant: A History of the Republic. 12 ed. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2002. Print.
Born: August 27,1908
Died: January 22, 1973
Term: November 22, 1963- January 20,1969
Vice President: Hubert Humphrey
Party: Democratic
Grade: B
Theme: Slavery and Legacy
The Civil Rights movement was one of the biggest events during Lyndon Johnson’s presidency. Originally thought of by John F. Kennedy, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was addressed. It was an act to outlaw most forms of segregation against African Americans and women. The act was to end the unequal practice of voter registration requirements and racial segregation. Johnson felt so strongly about the Civil Rights movement during his presidency; he was the first president to arrest and prosecute members of the KKK after the murder of civil rights worker, Viola Liuzzo.
During Johnson’s presidency, race riots broke out in hundreds of cities after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. There was property damage throughout the cities from burnings, the damage ranging to hundreds of millions. Johnson called for money to be spent on restoration, but what he lost was the support in the Great Society Program and his popularity in the whites. He was viewed as a president who lost control of the cities and his party. Goals
“We are one nation and one people.” When Lyndon Johnson took his oath into office, his main goal for the nation was to embrace change. It was America’s time to choose its own destiny based on the citizens’ choices, not from historical events. He believed that the real enemy that the nation faces is injustice. America is set upon justice and that it reminds everyone that when a man says, “His color is not mine or his beliefs are strange and different,” America is betrayed.
He also believes that another goal for the country is to show the way for the liberation of man. America shouldn’t follow isolationism anymore, it doesn’t lead to any good. “Foreign” troubles have been connected to the nation since it first began, so isolation couldn’t exist because foreign ideas were already in America.
With the removal of isolation in mind, Lyndon Johnson wishes the country to work as a Union. The country has been separate because the citizens were focused on individual titles (worker vs. employer). To work as a Union, titles should be forgotten, and man should work together. This is how the country and thrive for the future. Relationship with Congress
In 1964, the Civil Rights Act was passed. John F. Kennedy originally thought of this act during his presidency but he died before the act was passed. This act was to abolish segregation against African Americans and women. Johnson wanted to demolish the unequal acts that were being practiced in the country, and if the country was ever going to step forward in a positive direction, unequal treatment had to be addressed.
Lyndon Johnson’s main concern of Congress in 1965 was the passing of the “Great Society” act. This act was to aid education, attack on disease, Medicare, urban renewal, beautification, conservation, development of depressed regions, fight against poverty, control and prevention of crime, and the removal of obstacles. For the first time, a person who wasn’t elderly or disabled was able to receive a living from the government.
In response to the national poverty rate of 19% (War on Poverty), Johnson also looked to pass the Economic Opportunity Act. This was created to prepare the human and financial resources of the nation. The act allowed the government to expand its role in social welfare programs including the Head Start, food stamps, work-study, Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare is a social insurance program run through the government that provides health insurance to those who are physically disabled or for those 65 and older.
Johnson was forced into being involved into the Vietnam War. He originally didn’t think of Vietnam to be a concern at the moment with his “Great Society” act underway. The war didn’t end well for the country because the troops were forced to retreat and the victory of North Vietnam. With this win for Vietnam, communist governments were able to take over.
Most of Lyndon Johnson’s acts were in line with his goals for the country stated in his inaugural speech. Most of the accomplishments in his acts are still around today. Positive Outcome
Lyndon Johnson’s most positive outcome is the Civil Rights Act 1964. This act demolished segregation that has been around in America for the longest period of time. Johnson wanted to unify the country more and he was able to try and accomplish this goal with ending segregation. He was even the first president to arrest and persecute members of the KKK. He did this after the murder of Viola Liuzzo. KKK members murdered her because she was a civil rights worker, and the KKK was against their work. Johnson changed policies for the treatment of not only African Americans, but also women as well. Negative Outcome
One of the negative outcomes of Johnson’s presidency was the response towards the race riots. He did try to help those affected by the riots with funding to help with property damage, but he really got a backlash. Johnson lost his support of the Great Society programs along with his popularity among whites. Johnson also lost control of the cities and his own party. This was negative for him because by the end of his presidency, his reputation was ruined and he didn’t have any backup for any more legislation. Influence on Future
Lyndon Johnson’s Civil Rights Act and an increase in the government’s involvement in social welfare did influence the future of America. The Civil Rights Act was a step towards the destruction of racial discrimination. Segregation was finally eliminated and to this day, there is no segregation in this country. The government’s role in social welfare also had an influence on Medicare, which is still practiced today. Conclusion
From the decisions made by Lyndon Johnson and his presidency, I would give him a B. He deserves this grade because he did make positive choices that affected the country in a good way, but it came at a price. A great president wouldn’t take an action that would affect the public’s view of him in a negative way. If most of the public was in disagreement and riots start occurring, then there is a problem from the president’s choices. This is really the only negative outcome from his presidency; the rest of his actions took on a positive role for the nation.
Lyndon B. Johnson: "The President's Inaugural Address," January 20, 1965. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project Lyndon Johnson
(Becca Swartz)
Name: Lyndon Baines Johnson
Birth: August 27, 1908 Stonewall, Texas
Date: January 22, 1973 Stonewall, Texas
Party: Democrat
Terms: November 22, 1963-January 20, 1969 (two)
Vice President: Hubert Humphrey
Grade: B-
Theme: Slavery and its legacies in America
Lyndon B. Johnson is considered one of the most important figures in the Civil Rights movement. Johnson grew up in the South, so he lived under the Jim Crow system, segregation of Blacks and whites in all public places; restaurants, pools, and theaters. Johnson claimed to be an idealist, who dreamed of America as being a great society. He wanted to rid America of poverty and the segregation of blacks from whites. To achieve his dream he passed the 1964 Civil Rights Act and 1965 Voting Rights Act. Thesis
President Johnson is most well known for his work in the Civil Rights movement and the U.S. involvement in Vietnam. Johnson deserves a B- for his job as president. He was a president with his positives and negatives, and changed America forever.
Goals
President Johnson’s goals are clearly outlined in his inaugural address given at the start of his second term. His goals are broken up into five categories and his goals under each of those categories are stated. His first category is justice and change. Under this he wants to attack the issue of poverty and civil rights. Under his second category, Liberty and change he wants preserve the American dream. His goals under the world and change are to not dominate over man but dominate over tyranny and misery. However his ways about fulfilling this goal lead to the Vietnam War. His last two categories are Union and change and the American belief. Under both of these he wants to improve the lives of Americans by following in his predecessor, John F. Kennedy, implementing his plan, known as the Great Society. His goals are built upon Kennedy’s optimism for America to lead the way to world change for the betterment of humanity. Relations with Congress
Johnson’s relationship with congress started off quite well. With a democratically controlled congress they were able to pass an unprecedented amount of legislation. Much of it was aimed at improving the lives of the American citizens. After a while their relations began to diminish. During America’s involvement in the Vietnam War congress split into two groups, the hawks and the doves. The hawks were in favor of massive bombings of major cities, threats of nuclear weapons, and a possible invasion of North Vietnam. The doves were in support of a neutral agreement of South Vietnam and eventual reunification between the two countries. Johnson took the “middle way” which had aspects of both sides. The war not only cut short the promises of the Great Society but caused losses during the mid-term elections of 1966. After that Johnson was no longer able to push most of his domestic policies through congress. Positive and Negative Outcomes
Johnson’s biggest and best achievement was support of Civil Rights legislation. His work toward guaranteeing rights for African Americans began as a senator and when he assumed the role of President he was even more determined and committed to the cause. He signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ending segregation in public places. The next year the activist turned to another important issue, voting rights. Ever since the 1890’s blacks had been denied access to the voting booths by laws. The first being literacy tests, manipulated so that even the literate blacks would fail. The second law was good character tests, where existing voters would vouch for the new registrants. When in practice a good white would never vouch for a black. The final law was the poll tax, which discriminated against the lower class people of any race. The poll tax had been removed by a constitutional amendment, which meant the literacy test was the main barrier. Black demonstrators began to march for voting rights. They were attacked by police dogs in bloody scenes that were broadcast on television. Johnson had seized the opportunity and passed the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The results were immediate and significant. Within four years black voter turnout had tripled.
Johnson’s is most applauded for his domestic affairs. His foreign affairs did not turn out as he had hoped. The war was a conflict between North and South Vietnam, but had caused global ramifications. North Vietnam was led by a communist nationalist regime that gained control in 1954. The South was lead by a non-communist regime led by Ngo Dinh Diem. It was a war between pro and anti-Diem groups in the south, war over reunification waged by the North against the South, and the U.S. saw it as a conspiracy to conquer third world countries and install communism. The decision to intervene was solely on Johnson’s shoulders. He did not want be remembered as the President who lost Southeast Asia to the communists. His predecessor, Harry Truman had been blamed for letting communism into China due to his lack of involvement. Johnson was affirming his belief in the Truman Doctrine by lending his support to these who were “free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities.”
Johnson will begin to escalate the conflict sending additional combat troops following the Gulf of Tonkin resolution passed in August 1964. While campaigning for re-election in 1964 Johnson pledges only to escalate the war if necessary. In March 1965 the first 3,500 combat troops land in Da Nang. By the end of Johnson’s presidency over 535,000 troops have been sent to South Vietnam. In January 1968, the North Vietnamese launched the Tet Offensive which coincided with the lunar holiday, Tet. With public confidence in Johnson waning and his popularity sinking Johnson will with draw his candidacy for re-election in 1968. Impact
Johnson had made a huge impact on the lives of Americans. The new found rights for the African Americans, the establishment of the welfare system, and lives lost in the Vietnam War. As for the impact of future presidents he vastly expanded the role of the federal government in domestic affairs. President Johnson did a good job as president, earning the grade of a B-.
Derek Wisner- Lyndon Baines Johnson (August 27, 1908- January 22, 1973) Political Party: Democrat Dates in office: November 22, 1963- January 20, 1969 Vice President: Hubert Humphrey (1965- 1969)
American Identity:
Under Johnson, space exploration and the “Space Race” was getting lots of attention. The race between America and Russia to put a man on the moon was finally won by the United States in 1968, fulfilling JFK’s prophecy that the US would put a man on the moon within the decade. This push onto the “final frontier” brought back the true American spirit from the country’s inception. Explore and expand, dare and discover. The government urged and funded NASA program to put the man on the moon was truly American, and now “space explorer” could be added to the definition of an American.
Another event key to what the American Identity would become was the Beatles’ first performance in the States. Americans, especially the youth, had always favored revolutionary things- wars, governments, ideas- and the popularity rock ‘n’ roll was no different. The Beatles, the first mega-star rock ‘n’ roll band, were a huge hit, and their music became the identity of a new generation in America. Music had always been a huge player in American culture and identity, especially with the advent of jazz in the ‘20s. The Beatles groundbreaking performance on American soil was a huge turning point for American culture, and to defining what an American is.
Lyndon B. Johnson took office after JFK, so he had a tough act to follow. LBJ is most well known for his failures in foreign policy, like his responsibility for American involvement in the Vietnam War, but his “Great Society” legislation program was popular and led to general success domestically. Even though Johnson did fail miserably as far as foreign affairs go (notably Vietnam), he was an excellent politician and was able to capitalize on the public love of JFK and continue his programs, earning him a grade of C+ as president, mainly for his domestic policies.
Johnson’s goals as president were mainly domestic and focused around his Great Society ideals. Immediately after JFK’s tragic assassination, Johnson said, “I will lead you and I will do the best I can,” which he reiterated in his inaugural address, but he also said, “Look within your own hearts… They will lead you best of all.” He knew his job was a difficult one, and called on every individual member of society to be as one, and thus improve the lives of all. His Great Society program was aimed at improving aspects of life such as education, Medicare, conservation, end of racism, etc. He didn’t specify any detailed foreign policy goals, though he did call on Americans to defend what they knew was right, “foreign” no longer meant it wasn’t their problem, should they have the opportunity. Overall, LBJ met his domestic goals; he greatly increased the standard of living for many in the United States, but that success would be countered and overshadowed by his international failures.
LBJ, a democrat, enjoyed a favorable majority in Congress to his party throughout the first part of his presidency. This greatly aided his Great Society legislation program, which he had piggybacked off of JFK’s insistence for a new Civil Rights Bill. The Great Society program was one of the most extensive of its kind in American history, something with which President Johnson was familiar with, having been a member of Congress during FDR’s legendary New Deal program. Congress generally agreed with LBJ and his social reforms, wanting to improve such things as education and eliminate segregation just as much as Johnson himself did. The common ideals and goals of the President and Congress allowed for the Great Society program to become all the more revolutionary. However, in the Congressional elections of 1966, coinciding with Johnson’s slow but steady decline in popularity, the Republicans gained enough seats to prevent the passage of any more Great Society legislation. Johnson’s downturn in popularity was due to the Vietnam War, and also resistance to his Great Society program.
Among Johnson’s and his administration’s many Great Society successes, along with the Space Race “victory”, his most impactful, lasting success had to be education. Himself a former teacher, LBJ long held the belief that proper education was the cure for ignorance and poverty and was a big part of the “American Dream”. For the first time, large amounts of money would go to public schools, with more of a focus on school districts with large amounts of poor children. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act was the legislation that made this possible. The money appropriated to schools went to things like library funding. Also for the first time, private schools received monetary federal aid, about 12% of the ESEA budget. The Higher Education Act of 1965 followed, and focused on low income students, giving them opportunities for grants and government loans. LBJ also helped set up the National Endowment for the Humanities, and also for the Arts. Lyndon Johnson’s efforts in education, while not always completely immediately successful, were valiant and set up precedents and guidelines for government support of education that are still in use today.
Along with LBJ’s rather remarkable domestic record goes the absolute disaster of Vietnam. A firm believer in the domino theory, LBJ wanted to stop the spread of communism as quickly as possible before it spread to America. This meant taking the offensive to Vietnam. From 1964-1968, Johnson steadily increased the number of troops being sent to Vietnam. This upset many Americans, under the mindset that American soldiers should not sacrifice their lives to fight a war that wasn’t even theirs. It may not have been so bad had the Americans performed better, but when even famed broadcaster Walter Cronkite proclaimed the war “unwinnable”, LBJ’s popularity plummeted. While noble in principle, his efforts to stop communism were thwarted, and thousands of Americans died in vain. Johnson was clearly frustrated by events in Vietnam, and handled them poorly, trying too hard to balance public opinion with his ultimate objective. Overall, the Vietnam War was a debacle that ended up resulting in LBJ not running for a 2nd term, despite the initial promise he had shown in domestic affairs.
One lasting decision made by LBJ and his administration was the implementation of Medicare and Medicaid. These programs assist the elderly and low income groups for medical coverage. Not only do the actual programs still exist today, but the principle of federally set-up and funded programs like this is impactful. The idea that the government can set up programs like this for the benefit of the people was somewhat revolutionary. Yes, FDR experimented with things like this (Social Security), but his New Deal tried everything under the sun. LBJ, though, with his focused approach to a “Great Society”, gave credence to that sort of program. The Medicare and Medicaid programs he set up now cover tens of millions of Americans. The specific program itself, and the principle, were two of LBJ’s most lasting achievements.
Overall, Lyndon B. Johnson was a slightly above average president. He did make a debacle out of Vietnam, and his Great Society legislation program had its ups and downs, but he did a good job. Vietnam was a tough situation, though it could have and should have been handled better. His “Great Society” was somewhat idealistic, but he executed his plan fairly well, though not perfectly. Because of these reasons, Lyndon Johnson deserves a C+ for his time as president.
Lyndon B. Johnson
Democrat November 22, 1963 – January 20, 1969
Hubert Humphrey
Grade: B
Globalization:
Johnson was mostly concerned with internal improvements during his administration. He started Medicare and Medicaid and made many other improvements for the poor. He also made efforts to support the Civil Rights movement. But he did manage affairs in Vietnam, a conflict that changed that way the U.S. was perceived. The country took on a new persona as a result of this conflict. The country itself was split over the issues involved. America’s foreign relations were shaped by the way that the U.S. handled itself.
Lyndon Johnson was yet another president thrust into the spotlight in an unforgiving time. Faced with the threats of communism and the general welfare, Johnson had his plate full. But he accepted the role and made the most of it. Although not succeeding in the Vietnam War, Johnson made huge advancements in the Civil Rights movement and founded the famous Medicare system. Although not elected the first time, Johnson was able to maintain a healthy administration and keep it together for many years. He made many advancements and earned the grade of B.
Johnson was aware that the U.S. could not be great by being “a colony of ants” and staying the same forever. He saw the necessity of growing and expanding as a nation. Johnson was aware that the nation was made great by the heart and desire of the people. In the shadow of people that said the U.S. would fail, Johnson saw those that took it upon themselves to win. These are the Americans that set the example that Johnson called all Americans to be.
Even though he had a Republican-dominated Congress, Johnson was able to maintain a friendly relationship with Congress. Being a democrat from Texas, Johnson would probably be accustomed to cooperating with Republicans. This would have helped his cause as president. Nonetheless, Johnson was much better off than some of his predecessors. He worked with Congress and passed bills very cleanly. Whether it was Johnson’s ability or the willingness of Congress that allowed it, the relationship between the two branches went without an excess of conflict.
During Johnson’s presidency, the Civil Rights movement was in full swing. Johnson made many an effort to aid the efforts of this movement. Amid the riots and calls to arms, Johnson was able to focus on progress and make the nation better by helping the people. He passed the Voting Rights Act that made voting much more available to black people. It eliminated the discriminative literacy tests aimed at taking blacks out of the polls. He also passed the Civil Rights Act that made housing more equal and open to blacks. It also hiked up the penalties on those that broke the anti-discrimination laws. These profound advances did a great deal to help give colored people what they had been longing for from the beginning. These steps were crucial to the evolution of national equality.
Although it was not his doing, the entanglement in Vietnam was not favorable for the nation and for Johnson. The harshly controversial conflict was intended to be handled quickly and discreetly but it turned out to be much more strenuous. The valiant effort to prevent the spread of communism in the world ended in a shameful evacuation of troops and a victory for the communists. Although Johnson was always pushing for negotiations, the offensive strategies of the Americans led to a stand-off and later an offensive from the Viet Cong. This clash of attrition was too much to keep burning, sending the U.S. packing with its tail between its legs. The drama and shame that came with this historic conflict only left the U.S. and its leaders with a sense of regret.
As a part of his efforts to promote the quality of life, Johnson established the Medicare system. For a low monthly premium, the elderly could have quality health care. This system is still in effect today and helps many people, both the recipients and their families. Johnson’s effort to maximize the quality of daily life for Americans was one of the things that made him a good president. His establishments are still around today and are helping people just as they were intended to do. In every sense of the word, Johnson’s founding of the Medicare system impacted the future of America.
Thrust into the limelight, Johnson was not the people’s choice for president. But Lyndon Johnson proved to be a talented leader that encompassed many of the qualities needed to make a nation great. He took the initiative to make his country better for everyone and he did just that. Without his aid to the Civil Rights movement and Medicare, the nation would not be the same today. His contributions to the U.S. can be seen in day to day life, a claim only few presidents can make. His main detraction is his inability to manage the Vietnam War into a winnable fight or respectable deal. But seeing as this conflict was thrust down upon him, he rightfully earned a B.
Works Cited DeGregorio, William A.. "Andrew Jackson." The Complete Book of US Presidents. 4. ed., rev., expanded and up-dated ed. Fort Lee: Barricade Books, 1994. 105-120. Print.
"Lyndon B. Johnson." The White House. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. <www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/lyndonbjohnson/>.
"Lyndon B. Johnson." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyndon_B._Johnson>.
Nathaniel Tomb
Lyndon B. Johnson: August 27, 1908 – January 22, 1973Political Party: DemocraticTerm Dates: November 22, 1963 – January 20, 1969Vice President: Hubert H. Humphrey
Grade:B
Theme: American Identity
America in the 60’s was going through a huge economic growth as well as segregation. But those were not there biggest woes. No, America and her president’s biggest worry was the development of the war in Vietnam. This controversial war took separated America it was the first couch war (The first war that was televised for America’s viewing audience). As they watched from there beds the bombings from “Operation Rolling Thunder” –Americas assault on Vietnam- and saw the body bags roll in (sometimes hundreds a week) from over seas America could not help but question there involvement in the war.
Goals:
After the assassination of JFK his running mate Lyndon Johnson took the presidency. In his inaugural speech he speaks about change and liberty along with justice. He says how America is now a world power strong and proud. He speaks of equality and how no family or man should be poor or go hungry and how education needs to be strengthened. Lyndon talks about how he would like to handle foreign affairs he said “The American covenant called on us to help show the way for the liberation of man…Terrific dangers and troubles that we once called "foreign" now constantly live among us. If American lives must end, and American treasure be spilled, in countries that we barely know, then that is the price that change has demanded of conviction and of our enduring covenant.” However Lyndon did not want the war even telling JFK to minimize escalation. But when he came into office the war became his own and he in his national pride he did what he felt was necessary for the nation.
Positive:
Lyndon had good relation with congress and through this accomplished most of his goals even while swimming through protesting Americans. He was able to make the Civil Rights act witch ended legal segregation of blacks and whites. Lyndon and congress passed the Social Security Act which provided Medicare for the elderly and Medicaid for the poor (“In a land of great wealth, families must not live in hopeless poverty…In a land of healing miracles, neighbors must not suffer and die untended.”).And early in 1964 congress passed a resolution that would allow Johnson to make any steps forward into the war that he saw were necessary. And after a supposed attack in the Tonkin Gulf congress passed the Golf of Tonkin resolution in 40 minutes. It allowed for an aerial attack on the gulf. Lyndon got into the war for peace and the end of communist aggression in the South Asia area and the safety and defense of America itself.
Negative:
Lyndon brought America into the Vietnam War wear thousands of American men and women died in battle. The war and his actions brought America into mass chaos with protests all around America. There was burning of draft cards, the stoppage of trains with troops being sent out. The anti-war protests went as far as France, Rome and London. Lyndon who only wanted peace would later refuse to try for re-election. In hopes to put forth all the effort he could to bring peace without the duty of presidency.
Impact/Reason for Grade:
Even with the war and protests Lyndon Johnson got what he wanted done at home finished by making the Civil Rights Act and the Social Security Act. But that does not excuse the war that he led America into. Having been so controversial and with such a toll on America it was not the best decision as you can see at the end of the war when we lost. And so I give President Lyndon B. Johnson an A for his work at home but a D for his work over seas. Knowing it does not work like that the final grade comes to a B.
Work sited:
"Lyndon B. Johnson | The White House." The White House. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. <http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents
"The TonkinGulfIncident, 1964 . LBJ . WGBH American Experience | PBS." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Corporation for Public broadcasting, n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/primary-resources/lbj-tonkin/>.
mid-October, even global phenomenon, as anti-war protests drawing 100, 000 were held simultaneously in as many as 80 major cities around the US, London, Paris, and Rome.. "Opposition to the U.S.involvement in the Vietnam War - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opposition_to_the
Read more at the American Presidency Project: www.presidency.ucsb.edu http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=26985#ixzz1gfOJ4Pbx
Brittany Crowley
Lyndon B. Johnson (August 27, 1908 – January 22, 1973)
Political Party: Democratic
Dates of term in office: November 22, 1963 – January 20, 1969
Vice President: Hubert Humphrey
President Johnson accomplished many positive contributions to our country throughout his term in office. His actions regarding the Civil Rights Movement will forever be a remnant in our nation’s history for minimizing racial discrimination. Although his decisions about the Vietnam War were considered to be controversial, he taught us to never give up and to always fight for what’s right, even if everyone does not agree with it. His positive contributions to globalization, also raises his grade in my mind. In 1965, U.S. Marines were dispatched to the Dominican Republic following a military coup. President Johnson explained that this intervention was necessary to protect both American and foreign lives. This showed the globalization impact that Johnson had during his presidency. These actions that were accomplished during Johnson’s term as President earn him a grade of a solid B.
The goals of President Johnson were stated in his inaugural address on January 20, 1965. He stated that, “It is the excitement of becoming-always becoming, trying, probing, falling, resting, and trying again-but always trying and always gaining.” His meaning behind saying this is that he will always give his best effort in whatever happens to our country during his time as president. He knows sometimes he will fail, but his goal is to learn from that mistake and move on, not to ever give up. President Johnson also promoted The Great Society throughout his term as president. This rested on the principles of abundance and liberty for all. It demanded the end to poverty and racial injustice. His goals with The Great Society were attained because they encompassed the war on poverty, civil rights legislation, Medicare and Medicaid, environmental protection, and consumerism. Johnson’s administration set up Medicare, funded through the Social Security system, which provided hospital insurance and a low monthly premium for those 65 years or older. It also provided hospital and medical benefits for the poor of any age. The consumerism aspect of The Great Society included many acts that promoted industrial and trafficking safety such as the Highway Safety Act which established a national highway safety program. The civil rights legislation part of The Great Society was influenced by the Civil Rights Act, reducing the amount of racial discriminations within our country. These few examples, among others, show how many goals were accomplished throughout Johnson’s term as president and represent that most, if not all his goals were attained and accomplished.
In general, President Lyndon B. Johnson shared a pretty good relationship with his congress throughout his terms as president. Many Congressmen thought of him as a fair individual and they could tell he really cared about his Country. They saw in him, a man of action and a man of decision, a man that cared about everyone. He will mostly be remembered, “Not in the minds of the high and mighty, but rather by those whom society had forgotten or ignored,” stated his Vice President Hubert Humphrey. His fellow Congressmen could all see the passion he outpoured to America by his efforts given to the War in Vietnam, the Civil Rights Act, Medicare and Medicaid Plans, and the war against poverty, among others. His Vice President stood beside Johnson through his whole term. In fact, Vice President Humphrey traveled extensively on behalf of the president and always vigorously defended the administration’s Vietnam War Policy against the growing number of liberal critics. Because of how he traveled for Johnson on his behalf, this shows the trust that Johnson had in his fellow Congressmen and summarizes the overall relationship that he shared with them.
The most positive action that occurred during Lyndon B. Johnson’s term as president was his efforts with the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This act barred discrimination in employment as well as in hotels, restaurants, and other public places. Under the Civil Rights Act, came the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of Johnson’s most proud achievements, which outlawed any discrimination including literary tests and authorized the federal government to actually promote voter registration to the public. This resulted in a dramatic increase of minority voters. The Civil Rights Act also halted the discrimination in the sale and rental of housing, along with stiffening the federal criminal penalties for violations against civil rights. Accompanying these great strides came the movers such as Martin Luther King Jr. and the NAACP which were committed to nonviolence and drew more and more followers into their militant which had a positive effect. The views of civil rights have forever been changed because of the efforts that Johnson and his administration achieved throughout the terms of Johnson’s presidency.
The most negative effect however, that had occurred during Johnson’s term as president was the relations with the Vietnam War. Johnson and his administration escalated the U.S. role in Vietnam. In retaliation to the torpedo boats that reportedly attacked our U.S. destroyers, the United States, in February of 1965, launched Operation Rolling Thunder, air raids over Vietnam. Continually, for the next month, Johnson dispatched the first shipment of 3,500 Marines to Danang, making the beginning of eight years of U.S. ground combat in Southern Vietnam. The reason why it was such a negative action was because eventually, the U.S. involvement during the war would spark a number of anti-war protests and end in a Communist victory. While escalating the war, President Johnson and his administration continued to press for a negotiated settlement, but the Vietnamese refused to talk until America agreed to unconditionally stop bombing the North. President Johnson’s non-peacemaking actions regarding the war throughout his presidency sparked a rapid antiwar movement which continued to grow. In 1967, the war involvement caused demonstrators to march on the Pentagon and in New York 125,000 protestors were attracted to an antiwar rally. Young men openly burned their draft cards in defiance of the war. And while Democrats met in Chicago to choose a successor to Lyndon Johnson in 1968, 5,000 demonstrators clashed with police in the streets. The reaction that much of the United States had regarding the War in Vietnam contradicted the views of Johnson and his Congress which resulted in why the war efforts were the most negative outcome. Although, Johnson only had the best intentions of his nation on his mind while contributing to it.
President Johnson and his administration gave much to the future and generations to come. He passed an unprecedented amount of legislation, hoping to protect the nation’s air, land, water, wilderness, and overall quality of life. It was designed to keep America safer and the United States from becoming an uglier or dirtier nation. Johnson also extended the New Deal of Franklin Roosevelt which included aid to education, Medicare, and Medicaid-programs that are still significant today and demanded support for their effectiveness. Also, the reaction to his Great Society helped spawn a dramatic political “polarization” in the United States that some historians have labeled as a “conservative counterrevolution”. The generations to come and the future presidents will be able to learn from Johnson and his actions. Regarding the War in Vietnam, they learned to stick to their gut feeling of following through with it, much like President Johnson did. He will forever be a President that many will look up to, especially while such a major War was taking place in our world during his term. Yet Johnson still accomplished many other positive contributions for our country.
After Lyndon B. Johnson’s term as President, America was far better off. While his programs kept untold numbers of Americans out of poverty, they also gave others basic health care and ensured the fundamental rights of citizenship for minorities. Although in Southeast Asia millions of Vietnamese lost their lives and homes, hundreds and thousands more had their lives permanently changed Johnson showed us an important lesson. At a time when Americans were reshaping the location of power at home, events in Vietnam were raising serious questions about how America should use that power abroad. The renewal and opportunity attached to the Johnson administration are ironic, confusing, and uncertain and will likely stay that way. But Johnson fought hard for what he believed in and taught the country to never give up, to try, and try again. His contributions and brilliant leadership on the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Act of 1965, earn him a place in history alongside Abraham Lincoln.
Bibliography
DeGregorio, William A., and Sandra Lee. Stuart. Fort Lee, New Jersey: Barricade Books Inc., 2009.
"Impact and Legacy." Lyndon B. Johnson. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2011. < "Impact and Legacy." Lyndon B. Johnson. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2011. <http://millercenter.org/president/lbjohnson>
Vinny Tranchitella
Lyndon B. Johnson
Born: August 27, 1908
Died: January 22, 1973
Political Party: Democratic
First Term: November 22, 1963-January 20, 1965
Vice President: None
Second Term: January 20,1965-January 20, 1969
Vice President: Hubert Humphrey
Grade: B-
Theme: American Identity
Theme:
During the era of President Lyndon B. Johnson, many things about the American Identity changed, and not all of them were necessarily sought through the means of ‘Satyagraha.’ In fact, some of the most violet racial outbreaks erupted in the United States at this time after the death of their own beloved President, John F. Kennedy. However, not all of the presidency of Johnson was a racial wreck. In fact, new culture and acceptance grew from the embers known as the Civil Rights Movement. For one, the rock group, the Beatles, became widely-liked by the American people with a new style of music. Also, civil rights Amendments were made to the Constitution as the pressure of black organizations and communities began to tie the country together instead of segregating the people under the legislature of the same country’s Constitution. Overall, the Presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson was a period of social metamorphosis and revival while the country moved on to conquer different plagues of the American psyche.
Analysis:
The President Lyndon B. Johnson deserves the grade of a B- for the works he did during his Presidency. For one, he was a strong civil rights advocate and took action into his own hands by continuing what President Kennedy had in mind before Johnson’s terms. Second, Johnson shed many hours suffering against poverty and tried to make the poor and homeless have a place in the cruel American society. Finally, Johnson had a hard time buffering the turbulence from JFK’s assassination, and the way he grasped the reigns of the country’s bucking bull allowed him to be recognized as a great leader who did lived up to his predecessor.
Many of Johnson’s goals were superbly outlined in his inaugural address before the initiation of his second term. Some of the minor concepts he mentioned were liberty, justice, foreign aid, unity, and the American spirit. However, the one goal that Johnson highly stressed was ‘change:’ changes in the traditional liberty, justice, and all the other goals that he mentioned. The majority of his efforts were put into the reform of civil rights and poverty. Johnson had a goal in mind, and that goal was to better the country. At some points he may have pushed his point too harshly, which may be why the American Identity transformed so quickly throughout this era, however his persistence bore great fruits as the Legislative Branch passed the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 1964, the 24th Amendment, and the Voting Rights Act, all of which were aimed at the ‘change’ in United States identity that Johnson so vigorously chased.
The relationship between Johnson and Congress was sneakily sentimental. Once President Kennedy died, it was up to Johnson to either turn around or continue forward in the direction JFK already headed. In the case of Civil Rights, Johnson continued forward. To help highlight his goals, President Johnson addressed Congress in a solemn tone that it would be to the benefit of the country and in memoriam of their lost leader that the equality of blacks and whites and all other peoples of America be achieved above all else. Congress heartily approved of the racial stimulus Lyndon Johnson pushed into the Constitution and so it gave way to Johnson’s proposed Civil Rights Act of 1964. President Johnson’s relationship with Congress grew to a personal level because of JFK’s assassination, but on a professional level because of the ease with which they passed laws pertaining to the betterment of American society and the identity of the country as a whole.
As one could easily tell, there were a lot of things that Johnson did to deserve his B- as President of the United States. The long-term effect of Johnson’s actions were usually positive or had a progressive lilt to them. Some of the most positive outcomes of Johnson’s career were the establishment of racial equality, the stimulation of education and poverty-fighting, and the unification of a country that was recently shaken up by the death of its leader. Among the acts created to help move the country forward were the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Revenue Act of 1964. Unfortunately, Johnson was forced into a bad situation when during his Presidency, the beginning of the Vietnam War came into play and it ended quite illustriously as the U.S. troops retreated and Vietnamese left-wing rule took over. It was near the end of his first term, and as we have seen, the country does not like to dispose of their leaders while they are in the middle of fighting wars, so Johnson won again, but despite all the distractions and the loss in the Vietnam war, Johnson was only docked a few points on his overall grade as president. As for the American Identity shift due to his positive and negative outcomes, there were very few except for the first loss of the Americans in any war in its history.
Johnson’s choices in the seat of Presidential office only minimally affected future presidents as he sought to change many of the traditional stereotypes of the American identity. All of the problems, if any, that Johnson came upon, he was able to conquer it or make the issue disappear, for example, the Vietnam War and the federal funding of education. Provided, many of his choices and requests were backed by a democratic Congress for a short time, he was still a good president and led the country exceptionally. He either covered or cleaned up the messes he made at home and abroad, and it was this action that made the transition so smooth for following Presidents and the incoming American identity.
Overall, Lyndon B. Johnson was not suspected to be president, but with the assassination of JFK, he was given a shot. He did very well at implementing his new procedures and created many helpful and progressive laws for the improvement of the American identity. Johnson deserves a B- for the works he did while in the executive office and with the execution of his goals, he was very successful as a politician and as a leader. It would have been difficult to live up to the expectations that America emblazoned on the successor of President Kennedy, but as an extraordinary man, President Johnson found a way to exceed those expectations while accomplishing his goals in changing the country for the better.
Bibliography:
Bailey, Thomas A., David M. Kennedy, and Lizabeth Cohen. The American Pageant: A History of the Republic. 12 ed. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2002. Print.
Johnson, Lyndon B.. "Lyndon B. Johnson: The President's Inaugural Address." The American Presidency Project. N.p., 20 Jan. 1965. Web. 14 Dec. 2011. <http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=26985#axzz1gYhrPm00>.
"Lyndon B. Johnson." Wikipedia. Wikimedia, n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2011. <en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyndon_B._Johnson>
Korissa Herrold
Lyndon Baines Johnson: August 27, 1908 – January 22, 1973
Political Party: Democratic
Term Dates: November 22, 1963 – January 20, 1969
Vice President: Hubert H. Humphrey
Grading: B+
Theme: Globalization
Throughout Lyndon Johnson’s terms there were many international affairs highlighted, The Vietnam War being most significant. In February of 1965 American air bases were attacked. The President immediately issued a bombing take place to defend the nation. The defense mechanism was noted as “Operation Rolling Thunder.” The fighting became extremely Americanized, and the Southern Vietnamese sat back and watched America fight their battles. Another noted foreign affair was found in the Six-Day War in June of 1967. The War between the Jewish and Muslims. America was distracted by the over commitment within the Vietnamese War. They generally let the Middle Eastern countries work out the battle themselves. This conflict would have had American support if it weren’t for the focus elsewhere.
Intro:
After the assassination of John F. Kennedy the Vice President assumed the responsibilities as the President of the United States. Lyndon Baines Johnson was sworn in as President November 22, 1963 on Air Force One. Throughout the 1960’s the ideas of Civil Rights were unraveling along with the conflicts leading to War. Lyndon B. Johnson earned a B+ for his presidency in response to these situations.
Goals:
Like most Presidents, Johnson set aside goals in which he planned to achieve. He had a vision of equal opportunity and he was determined to make this possible for Americans. Johnson believed that civil rights during this time period were a major priority. John F. Kennedy first proposed the civil rights bill in June of 1963 but it never reached Congress during his presidency for the official passage. Johnson, who discouraged racial segregation, focused on getting this bill passed when he took executive office. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a great accomplishment of Lyndon B. Johnson. Along with the Civil Rights Act Johnson issued the Voting Rights Act, which outlawed voting discrimination. He believed in “the Great Society” where land air and natural resources were preserved. Throughout his terms many legislations involving conservation were appointed. Also, Johnson experienced many hardships throughout his childhood that motivated him to help the average American. Growing up in poverty, he was ambitious to help the poor and focus on the domestic issues that were unraveling right before him. To fight against the war on poverty Johnson created food stamps, Medicare and Medicaid to relieve the suffering individuals or families. Lyndon Johnson fulfilled a majority of his goals including civil rights, land protection and poverty recognition that were appreciated by many.
Congress:
The relationship President Johnson shared with Congress was quite successful. Together they established federal funding for education by passing educational based bills. They also worked together to pass Medicare for the elderly, accompanied by Medicaid for the poor in 1965. They provided entitlements to certain individuals who were unable to afford proper health treatments and also provided the elderly with health insurance. Another correlation between the President and Congress stood out when conflict in Vietnam erupted. U.S. naval vessels were attacked in the Gulf of Tonkin in August of 1964. Congress passed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution authorizing the President to take measure when he felt the country was being threatened. Johnson was in support of war against the Vietnamese enemy, but opposition in Congress grew. Members of Congress would announce their antiwar beliefs through televised hearings. Despite the disagreements surrounding the involvement in Vietnam, Johnson kept a steady relationship with Congress.
Positive:
Lyndon Johnson’s most positive action was establishing equal opportunity. With little support from the south, Johnson still managed to create equality for African Americans. He went against the minority beliefs of pro segregation and satisfied the majority by issuing an immediate change to the treatment of blacks. He did what was best overall for the Americans and addressed the unfair treatment head on. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ended segregation in public facilities. He also gave the blacks voting rights. The world was forever changed. The effects didn’t happen overnight, but the United States gradually began to accept everyone regardless of their race.
Negative:
Lyndon Johnson’s most negative outcome was his failure to keep the country out of war. Johnson saw the uproar in Vietnam, as a potential threat against the nation so he believed war was the most logical response. The entire ordeal caused riots and many began to promote peace against Johnson’s wishes. He based his decisions on the complicated matter by considering the military and political requirements along with the effects on America. Many believed his initial declaration of War to be unnecessary yet Johnson was seeking a solution that would be best for the entire country as a whole.
Impact:
Lyndon Johnson impacted future administrations by passing the Social Security Act of 1965. Under this act two vital programs were created: Medicare and Medicaid. It started off by providing health care to poverty struck families, and citizens over the age of 65. The governments assistance is still in affect today proving that it had a huge impact on future administrations. From these two programs more aid relief acts were developed. He showed future administrations that government aid was crucial and helpful.
Conclusion:
Johnson managed to stabilize the American society and passed an excessive amount of legislation that was vital for the growth of the United States. Although he developed a “Great Society” he still cost the Americans with his decision to engage in war in Vietnam. Over 58,000 Americans lost their lives in battle altering his overall grade from an A to a B+.
Bailey, Thomas A., David M. Kennedy, and Lizabeth Cohen. The American Pageant: A History of the Republic. 12 ed. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2002. Print.
"Lyndon B. Johnson - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyndon_B._Johnson>.
"Papers of Lyndon Johnson." The American Presidency Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/lyndon_johnson.php.
Hannah Smolko
Lyndon Johnson
Born: August 27,1908Died: January 22, 1973
Term: November 22, 1963- January 20,1969
Vice President: Hubert Humphrey
Party: Democratic
Grade: B
Theme: Slavery and Legacy
The Civil Rights movement was one of the biggest events during Lyndon Johnson’s presidency. Originally thought of by John F. Kennedy, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was addressed. It was an act to outlaw most forms of segregation against African Americans and women. The act was to end the unequal practice of voter registration requirements and racial segregation. Johnson felt so strongly about the Civil Rights movement during his presidency; he was the first president to arrest and prosecute members of the KKK after the murder of civil rights worker, Viola Liuzzo.
During Johnson’s presidency, race riots broke out in hundreds of cities after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. There was property damage throughout the cities from burnings, the damage ranging to hundreds of millions. Johnson called for money to be spent on restoration, but what he lost was the support in the Great Society Program and his popularity in the whites. He was viewed as a president who lost control of the cities and his party.
Goals
“We are one nation and one people.” When Lyndon Johnson took his oath into office, his main goal for the nation was to embrace change. It was America’s time to choose its own destiny based on the citizens’ choices, not from historical events. He believed that the real enemy that the nation faces is injustice. America is set upon justice and that it reminds everyone that when a man says, “His color is not mine or his beliefs are strange and different,” America is betrayed.
He also believes that another goal for the country is to show the way for the liberation of man. America shouldn’t follow isolationism anymore, it doesn’t lead to any good. “Foreign” troubles have been connected to the nation since it first began, so isolation couldn’t exist because foreign ideas were already in America.
With the removal of isolation in mind, Lyndon Johnson wishes the country to work as a Union. The country has been separate because the citizens were focused on individual titles (worker vs. employer). To work as a Union, titles should be forgotten, and man should work together. This is how the country and thrive for the future.
Relationship with Congress
In 1964, the Civil Rights Act was passed. John F. Kennedy originally thought of this act during his presidency but he died before the act was passed. This act was to abolish segregation against African Americans and women. Johnson wanted to demolish the unequal acts that were being practiced in the country, and if the country was ever going to step forward in a positive direction, unequal treatment had to be addressed.
Lyndon Johnson’s main concern of Congress in 1965 was the passing of the “Great Society” act. This act was to aid education, attack on disease, Medicare, urban renewal, beautification, conservation, development of depressed regions, fight against poverty, control and prevention of crime, and the removal of obstacles. For the first time, a person who wasn’t elderly or disabled was able to receive a living from the government.
In response to the national poverty rate of 19% (War on Poverty), Johnson also looked to pass the Economic Opportunity Act. This was created to prepare the human and financial resources of the nation. The act allowed the government to expand its role in social welfare programs including the Head Start, food stamps, work-study, Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare is a social insurance program run through the government that provides health insurance to those who are physically disabled or for those 65 and older.
Johnson was forced into being involved into the Vietnam War. He originally didn’t think of Vietnam to be a concern at the moment with his “Great Society” act underway. The war didn’t end well for the country because the troops were forced to retreat and the victory of North Vietnam. With this win for Vietnam, communist governments were able to take over.
Most of Lyndon Johnson’s acts were in line with his goals for the country stated in his inaugural speech. Most of the accomplishments in his acts are still around today.
Positive Outcome
Lyndon Johnson’s most positive outcome is the Civil Rights Act 1964. This act demolished segregation that has been around in America for the longest period of time. Johnson wanted to unify the country more and he was able to try and accomplish this goal with ending segregation. He was even the first president to arrest and persecute members of the KKK. He did this after the murder of Viola Liuzzo. KKK members murdered her because she was a civil rights worker, and the KKK was against their work. Johnson changed policies for the treatment of not only African Americans, but also women as well.
Negative Outcome
One of the negative outcomes of Johnson’s presidency was the response towards the race riots. He did try to help those affected by the riots with funding to help with property damage, but he really got a backlash. Johnson lost his support of the Great Society programs along with his popularity among whites. Johnson also lost control of the cities and his own party. This was negative for him because by the end of his presidency, his reputation was ruined and he didn’t have any backup for any more legislation.
Influence on Future
Lyndon Johnson’s Civil Rights Act and an increase in the government’s involvement in social welfare did influence the future of America. The Civil Rights Act was a step towards the destruction of racial discrimination. Segregation was finally eliminated and to this day, there is no segregation in this country. The government’s role in social welfare also had an influence on Medicare, which is still practiced today.
Conclusion
From the decisions made by Lyndon Johnson and his presidency, I would give him a B. He deserves this grade because he did make positive choices that affected the country in a good way, but it came at a price. A great president wouldn’t take an action that would affect the public’s view of him in a negative way. If most of the public was in disagreement and riots start occurring, then there is a problem from the president’s choices. This is really the only negative outcome from his presidency; the rest of his actions took on a positive role for the nation.
Works Cited
"Lyndon B. Johnson | The White House." The White House. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. <http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/lyndonjphnson>
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyndon_B._Johnson#Civil_rights
http://www2.volstate.edu/geades/finaldocs/1960s/eoa.htm
Lyndon B. Johnson: "The President's Inaugural Address," January 20, 1965. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project
Lyndon Johnson
(Becca Swartz)
Name: Lyndon Baines Johnson
Birth: August 27, 1908 Stonewall, Texas
Date: January 22, 1973 Stonewall, Texas
Party: Democrat
Terms: November 22, 1963-January 20, 1969 (two)
Vice President: Hubert Humphrey
Grade: B-
Theme: Slavery and its legacies in America
Lyndon B. Johnson is considered one of the most important figures in the Civil Rights movement. Johnson grew up in the South, so he lived under the Jim Crow system, segregation of Blacks and whites in all public places; restaurants, pools, and theaters. Johnson claimed to be an idealist, who dreamed of America as being a great society. He wanted to rid America of poverty and the segregation of blacks from whites. To achieve his dream he passed the 1964 Civil Rights Act and 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Thesis
President Johnson is most well known for his work in the Civil Rights movement and the U.S. involvement in Vietnam. Johnson deserves a B- for his job as president. He was a president with his positives and negatives, and changed America forever.
Goals
President Johnson’s goals are clearly outlined in his inaugural address given at the start of his second term. His goals are broken up into five categories and his goals under each of those categories are stated. His first category is justice and change. Under this he wants to attack the issue of poverty and civil rights. Under his second category, Liberty and change he wants preserve the American dream. His goals under the world and change are to not dominate over man but dominate over tyranny and misery. However his ways about fulfilling this goal lead to the Vietnam War. His last two categories are Union and change and the American belief. Under both of these he wants to improve the lives of Americans by following in his predecessor, John F. Kennedy, implementing his plan, known as the Great Society. His goals are built upon Kennedy’s optimism for America to lead the way to world change for the betterment of humanity.
Relations with Congress
Johnson’s relationship with congress started off quite well. With a democratically controlled congress they were able to pass an unprecedented amount of legislation. Much of it was aimed at improving the lives of the American citizens. After a while their relations began to diminish. During America’s involvement in the Vietnam War congress split into two groups, the hawks and the doves. The hawks were in favor of massive bombings of major cities, threats of nuclear weapons, and a possible invasion of North Vietnam. The doves were in support of a neutral agreement of South Vietnam and eventual reunification between the two countries. Johnson took the “middle way” which had aspects of both sides. The war not only cut short the promises of the Great Society but caused losses during the mid-term elections of 1966. After that Johnson was no longer able to push most of his domestic policies through congress.
Positive and Negative Outcomes
Johnson’s biggest and best achievement was support of Civil Rights legislation. His work toward guaranteeing rights for African Americans began as a senator and when he assumed the role of President he was even more determined and committed to the cause. He signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ending segregation in public places. The next year the activist turned to another important issue, voting rights. Ever since the 1890’s blacks had been denied access to the voting booths by laws. The first being literacy tests, manipulated so that even the literate blacks would fail. The second law was good character tests, where existing voters would vouch for the new registrants. When in practice a good white would never vouch for a black. The final law was the poll tax, which discriminated against the lower class people of any race. The poll tax had been removed by a constitutional amendment, which meant the literacy test was the main barrier. Black demonstrators began to march for voting rights. They were attacked by police dogs in bloody scenes that were broadcast on television. Johnson had seized the opportunity and passed the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The results were immediate and significant. Within four years black voter turnout had tripled.
Johnson’s is most applauded for his domestic affairs. His foreign affairs did not turn out as he had hoped. The war was a conflict between North and South Vietnam, but had caused global ramifications. North Vietnam was led by a communist nationalist regime that gained control in 1954. The South was lead by a non-communist regime led by Ngo Dinh Diem. It was a war between pro and anti-Diem groups in the south, war over reunification waged by the North against the South, and the U.S. saw it as a conspiracy to conquer third world countries and install communism. The decision to intervene was solely on Johnson’s shoulders. He did not want be remembered as the President who lost Southeast Asia to the communists. His predecessor, Harry Truman had been blamed for letting communism into China due to his lack of involvement. Johnson was affirming his belief in the Truman Doctrine by lending his support to these who were “free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities.”
Johnson will begin to escalate the conflict sending additional combat troops following the Gulf of Tonkin resolution passed in August 1964. While campaigning for re-election in 1964 Johnson pledges only to escalate the war if necessary. In March 1965 the first 3,500 combat troops land in Da Nang. By the end of Johnson’s presidency over 535,000 troops have been sent to South Vietnam. In January 1968, the North Vietnamese launched the Tet Offensive which coincided with the lunar holiday, Tet. With public confidence in Johnson waning and his popularity sinking Johnson will with draw his candidacy for re-election in 1968.
Impact
Johnson had made a huge impact on the lives of Americans. The new found rights for the African Americans, the establishment of the welfare system, and lives lost in the Vietnam War. As for the impact of future presidents he vastly expanded the role of the federal government in domestic affairs. President Johnson did a good job as president, earning the grade of a B-.
Works Cited
"Lyndon B. Johnson: The President's Inaugural Address." The American Presidency Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. <http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=26985#axzz1gf6HkrzU>.
"Lyndon Johnson." Miller Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. <millercenter.org/president/lbjohnson>.
"Our Documents - Truman Doctrine (1947)." Welcome to OurDocuments.gov. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. <http://ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true&doc=81>.
Derek Wisner-
Lyndon Baines Johnson
(August 27, 1908- January 22, 1973)
Political Party: Democrat
Dates in office: November 22, 1963- January 20, 1969
Vice President: Hubert Humphrey (1965- 1969)
American Identity:
Under Johnson, space exploration and the “Space Race” was getting lots of attention. The race between America and Russia to put a man on the moon was finally won by the United States in 1968, fulfilling JFK’s prophecy that the US would put a man on the moon within the decade. This push onto the “final frontier” brought back the true American spirit from the country’s inception. Explore and expand, dare and discover. The government urged and funded NASA program to put the man on the moon was truly American, and now “space explorer” could be added to the definition of an American.
Another event key to what the American Identity would become was the Beatles’ first performance in the States. Americans, especially the youth, had always favored revolutionary things- wars, governments, ideas- and the popularity rock ‘n’ roll was no different. The Beatles, the first mega-star rock ‘n’ roll band, were a huge hit, and their music became the identity of a new generation in America. Music had always been a huge player in American culture and identity, especially with the advent of jazz in the ‘20s. The Beatles groundbreaking performance on American soil was a huge turning point for American culture, and to defining what an American is.
Lyndon B. Johnson took office after JFK, so he had a tough act to follow. LBJ is most well known for his failures in foreign policy, like his responsibility for American involvement in the Vietnam War, but his “Great Society” legislation program was popular and led to general success domestically. Even though Johnson did fail miserably as far as foreign affairs go (notably Vietnam), he was an excellent politician and was able to capitalize on the public love of JFK and continue his programs, earning him a grade of C+ as president, mainly for his domestic policies.
Johnson’s goals as president were mainly domestic and focused around his Great Society ideals. Immediately after JFK’s tragic assassination, Johnson said, “I will lead you and I will do the best I can,” which he reiterated in his inaugural address, but he also said, “Look within your own hearts… They will lead you best of all.” He knew his job was a difficult one, and called on every individual member of society to be as one, and thus improve the lives of all. His Great Society program was aimed at improving aspects of life such as education, Medicare, conservation, end of racism, etc. He didn’t specify any detailed foreign policy goals, though he did call on Americans to defend what they knew was right, “foreign” no longer meant it wasn’t their problem, should they have the opportunity. Overall, LBJ met his domestic goals; he greatly increased the standard of living for many in the United States, but that success would be countered and overshadowed by his international failures.
LBJ, a democrat, enjoyed a favorable majority in Congress to his party throughout the first part of his presidency. This greatly aided his Great Society legislation program, which he had piggybacked off of JFK’s insistence for a new Civil Rights Bill. The Great Society program was one of the most extensive of its kind in American history, something with which President Johnson was familiar with, having been a member of Congress during FDR’s legendary New Deal program. Congress generally agreed with LBJ and his social reforms, wanting to improve such things as education and eliminate segregation just as much as Johnson himself did. The common ideals and goals of the President and Congress allowed for the Great Society program to become all the more revolutionary. However, in the Congressional elections of 1966, coinciding with Johnson’s slow but steady decline in popularity, the Republicans gained enough seats to prevent the passage of any more Great Society legislation. Johnson’s downturn in popularity was due to the Vietnam War, and also resistance to his Great Society program.
Among Johnson’s and his administration’s many Great Society successes, along with the Space Race “victory”, his most impactful, lasting success had to be education. Himself a former teacher, LBJ long held the belief that proper education was the cure for ignorance and poverty and was a big part of the “American Dream”. For the first time, large amounts of money would go to public schools, with more of a focus on school districts with large amounts of poor children. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act was the legislation that made this possible. The money appropriated to schools went to things like library funding. Also for the first time, private schools received monetary federal aid, about 12% of the ESEA budget. The Higher Education Act of 1965 followed, and focused on low income students, giving them opportunities for grants and government loans. LBJ also helped set up the National Endowment for the Humanities, and also for the Arts. Lyndon Johnson’s efforts in education, while not always completely immediately successful, were valiant and set up precedents and guidelines for government support of education that are still in use today.
Along with LBJ’s rather remarkable domestic record goes the absolute disaster of Vietnam. A firm believer in the domino theory, LBJ wanted to stop the spread of communism as quickly as possible before it spread to America. This meant taking the offensive to Vietnam. From 1964-1968, Johnson steadily increased the number of troops being sent to Vietnam. This upset many Americans, under the mindset that American soldiers should not sacrifice their lives to fight a war that wasn’t even theirs. It may not have been so bad had the Americans performed better, but when even famed broadcaster Walter Cronkite proclaimed the war “unwinnable”, LBJ’s popularity plummeted. While noble in principle, his efforts to stop communism were thwarted, and thousands of Americans died in vain. Johnson was clearly frustrated by events in Vietnam, and handled them poorly, trying too hard to balance public opinion with his ultimate objective. Overall, the Vietnam War was a debacle that ended up resulting in LBJ not running for a 2nd term, despite the initial promise he had shown in domestic affairs.
One lasting decision made by LBJ and his administration was the implementation of Medicare and Medicaid. These programs assist the elderly and low income groups for medical coverage. Not only do the actual programs still exist today, but the principle of federally set-up and funded programs like this is impactful. The idea that the government can set up programs like this for the benefit of the people was somewhat revolutionary. Yes, FDR experimented with things like this (Social Security), but his New Deal tried everything under the sun. LBJ, though, with his focused approach to a “Great Society”, gave credence to that sort of program. The Medicare and Medicaid programs he set up now cover tens of millions of Americans. The specific program itself, and the principle, were two of LBJ’s most lasting achievements.
Overall, Lyndon B. Johnson was a slightly above average president. He did make a debacle out of Vietnam, and his Great Society legislation program had its ups and downs, but he did a good job. Vietnam was a tough situation, though it could have and should have been handled better. His “Great Society” was somewhat idealistic, but he executed his plan fairly well, though not perfectly. Because of these reasons, Lyndon Johnson deserves a C+ for his time as president.
Works Cited
"Lyndon B. Johnson." The White House. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. <http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/lyndonbjohnson>.
"Lyndon B. Johnson." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyndon_B_Johnson>.
"Party Division." U.S. Senate. Web. 15 Dec. 2011.
<http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/history/one_item_and_teasers/partydiv.htm>.
Matt Thomas:
Lyndon B. Johnson
Democrat
November 22, 1963 – January 20, 1969
Hubert Humphrey
Grade: B
Globalization:
Johnson was mostly concerned with internal improvements during his administration. He started Medicare and Medicaid and made many other improvements for the poor. He also made efforts to support the Civil Rights movement. But he did manage affairs in Vietnam, a conflict that changed that way the U.S. was perceived. The country took on a new persona as a result of this conflict. The country itself was split over the issues involved. America’s foreign relations were shaped by the way that the U.S. handled itself.
Lyndon Johnson was yet another president thrust into the spotlight in an unforgiving time. Faced with the threats of communism and the general welfare, Johnson had his plate full. But he accepted the role and made the most of it. Although not succeeding in the Vietnam War, Johnson made huge advancements in the Civil Rights movement and founded the famous Medicare system. Although not elected the first time, Johnson was able to maintain a healthy administration and keep it together for many years. He made many advancements and earned the grade of B.
Johnson was aware that the U.S. could not be great by being “a colony of ants” and staying the same forever. He saw the necessity of growing and expanding as a nation. Johnson was aware that the nation was made great by the heart and desire of the people. In the shadow of people that said the U.S. would fail, Johnson saw those that took it upon themselves to win. These are the Americans that set the example that Johnson called all Americans to be.
Even though he had a Republican-dominated Congress, Johnson was able to maintain a friendly relationship with Congress. Being a democrat from Texas, Johnson would probably be accustomed to cooperating with Republicans. This would have helped his cause as president. Nonetheless, Johnson was much better off than some of his predecessors. He worked with Congress and passed bills very cleanly. Whether it was Johnson’s ability or the willingness of Congress that allowed it, the relationship between the two branches went without an excess of conflict.
During Johnson’s presidency, the Civil Rights movement was in full swing. Johnson made many an effort to aid the efforts of this movement. Amid the riots and calls to arms, Johnson was able to focus on progress and make the nation better by helping the people. He passed the Voting Rights Act that made voting much more available to black people. It eliminated the discriminative literacy tests aimed at taking blacks out of the polls. He also passed the Civil Rights Act that made housing more equal and open to blacks. It also hiked up the penalties on those that broke the anti-discrimination laws. These profound advances did a great deal to help give colored people what they had been longing for from the beginning. These steps were crucial to the evolution of national equality.
Although it was not his doing, the entanglement in Vietnam was not favorable for the nation and for Johnson. The harshly controversial conflict was intended to be handled quickly and discreetly but it turned out to be much more strenuous. The valiant effort to prevent the spread of communism in the world ended in a shameful evacuation of troops and a victory for the communists. Although Johnson was always pushing for negotiations, the offensive strategies of the Americans led to a stand-off and later an offensive from the Viet Cong. This clash of attrition was too much to keep burning, sending the U.S. packing with its tail between its legs. The drama and shame that came with this historic conflict only left the U.S. and its leaders with a sense of regret.
As a part of his efforts to promote the quality of life, Johnson established the Medicare system. For a low monthly premium, the elderly could have quality health care. This system is still in effect today and helps many people, both the recipients and their families. Johnson’s effort to maximize the quality of daily life for Americans was one of the things that made him a good president. His establishments are still around today and are helping people just as they were intended to do. In every sense of the word, Johnson’s founding of the Medicare system impacted the future of America.
Thrust into the limelight, Johnson was not the people’s choice for president. But Lyndon Johnson proved to be a talented leader that encompassed many of the qualities needed to make a nation great. He took the initiative to make his country better for everyone and he did just that. Without his aid to the Civil Rights movement and Medicare, the nation would not be the same today. His contributions to the U.S. can be seen in day to day life, a claim only few presidents can make. His main detraction is his inability to manage the Vietnam War into a winnable fight or respectable deal. But seeing as this conflict was thrust down upon him, he rightfully earned a B.
Works Cited
DeGregorio, William A.. "Andrew Jackson." The Complete Book of US Presidents. 4. ed., rev., expanded and up-dated ed. Fort Lee: Barricade Books, 1994. 105-120. Print.
"Lyndon B. Johnson." The White House. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. <www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/lyndonbjohnson/>.
"Lyndon B. Johnson." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyndon_B._Johnson>.